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Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z review

Since launching, the Sony Xperia Z has held the top spot in our smartphone chart since launching, but can the Samsung Galaxy S4 topple it? Find out in our Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z comparison review.

The first big Android smartphone launch of the year was Sony's Xperia Z but now the Samsung Galaxy S4 is here to challenge its Japanese rival.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Design and build

As you can see from the image above, the Galaxy S4 looks quite similar to the Galaxy S3 in design and therefore pretty different to the Xperia Z. It's a case of rounded pebble-like vs sharp and square so you can take your pick. What might help you decide is that the Galaxy S4 is mostly plastic with a removable cover and the Xperia Z is largely glass and boasts a waterproof and dust proof.

With 5in screens, both are pretty big smartphones. The Galaxy S4 is marginally smaller than the Xperia Z at 69.8 x 136.6mm compared to 71 x 139mm. The two are wafer thin at 7.9mm and since the Galaxy S4 is smaller with a plastic build it's a little lighter - 130g against 145g.

The superior build quality of the Xperia Z makes it the better smartphone in this area.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Screen

Things are pretty tied when it comes to the screen. As expected, the Galaxy S4 has a 5in display with a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920. As does the Xperia Z so each has a high pixel density of 441ppi - beaten only by the HTC One.

Technology varies as the Samsung uses SuperAMOLED while the Sony uses its own Mobile Bravia Engine 2. There's little to choose between them, the Galaxy S4's screen offers a little more brightness and colours look eye popping. However, the Xperia Z's screen has a more natural look.

The other difference is glass as the Galaxy S4 uses Gorilla Glass 3 but the Sony Xperia Z has unamed shatter proof and scratch-resistant glass.

Since we're splitting hairs between the two, it's a draw here.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Processor and performance

The Xperia Z has the same impressive 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor found in the Nexus 4. The UK model didn't get the Exynos 5 Octa 8-core processor but has a 1.9GHz quad-core processor instead. Both phones are matched on RAM at 2GB.

The Galaxy S4 blew the Xperia Z out of the water in terms of benchmarks. It scored 3227, 41fps and 1092ms in Geekbench 2, GLBenchmark and SunSpider. The Xperia Z scored 1986, 30fps and 1791ms respectively.

We were surprised, then, to find the Galaxy S4 very laggy at times. Something we didn't find with the Xperia Z.

It's difficult to call a winner here since the benchmarks suggest the Galaxy S4 while user experience says the Xperia Z. The latter is more important, though, so the Sony comes out on top.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Storage

Sony has opted to sell just a 16GB model of the Xperia Z but the Samsung Galaxy S4 comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models – although it's only the 16GB model which seems to be available at the moment.

Both have a microSD card slot for expansion and although the Xperia Z is supposedly limited to 32GB, it's been widely reported that formatted 64GB cards also work. The Galaxy S4 takes 64GB cards as standard.

With almost half of the Galaxy S4's internal storage being taken up with the OS and Samsung's additional features and the current lack of the 32GB and 64GB models, the Xperia Z takes a win here.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Cameras

In terms of specs, cameras are almost the same. Both have a 13Mp rear facing camera with the ability to shoot video in Full HD 1080p quality. The Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z have 2Mp ad 2.2Mp front facing cameras respectively. Like the main shooters, they can record 1080p video.

As you would expect there's little difference in quality here. However, the range of additional shooting modes which the Galaxy S4 offers means it pips the Xperia Z.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Software

Both of these smartphones run Google's Android Jelly Bean but slightly different versions. The Xperia Z is on 4.1.2 while the Galaxy S4 ships with version 4.2.2. It's a minor difference and the Sony will be updated soon anyway.

The far bigger difference is the user interface overlay which each firm applies to Android. Sony's is closer to vanilla Android but the Galaxy S4 with TouchWiz comes with more exclusive software features.

Which interface you prefer is down to personal taste but our main concerns is that, not only does the Galaxy S4's software features take up space, a lot of them are gimmicky and buggy. What's more, you can't uninstall them to free up memory.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Sony Xperia Z: Battery

The Sony Xperia Z has a 2330mAh non-removable battery while the Galaxy S4 has a larger, and removable, 2600mAh battery. This doesn't automatically mean that the Samsung offers longer battery life.

We found both phones to offer excellent battery life, each being capable of two days of use. It's a draw here.

OUR VERDICT

The Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z are level in a number of areas. However, considering the cheaper price of Sony's smartphone and the fact it offers better build quality and doesn't disappoint where the Samsung does, it's our winner here.

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Comments

Simon Tompkins said: Comments,Simon Tompkins,From the spec sheet I have seen the Xperia Z uses Exmor RS sensor. The S4 does not.

JBart said: Comments,JBart,When it comes to asthetics and more importantly user experience you really can't beat the Xperia Z. Sony just gets it. Everything from the layout to adding things to the homescreen, widgets and most notably the music player is just so incredibly intuitive to use.

nu-uh said: Comments,nu-uh,nyahahaha.. we'll she said it. GO SONY!

nu-uh said: Comments,nu-uh,and i don't get why Nabil is so Bitter about this.

nu-uh said: Comments,nu-uh,Wow. now i am lost. are we silltalking about SGS4 and SXZ?

Sony king said: Comments,Sony king,YES!!!

Sony king said: Comments,Sony king,That glass is better than plastic, it's more stronger and more clearer :)

Sony king said: Comments,Sony king,I don't believe that would Sansung s4 survive the drop but Xperia z would 100%

George Roubies said: Comments,George Roubies,At first glance I would prefer the Samsung Galaxy S4, but as I am a holder of Samsung Galaxy S2 I'm scarred of the very laggy times. Μaybe the S4 has the fastest proccesors but if it gets laggy, I don't buy. So if Sony Xperia Z does not have laggy times, I believe that is the best.And I'm saying all these, because I live every day with my Samsung Galaxy S2 laggy times.

Neil Jacquest said: Comments,Neil Jacquest,Actually it is the same sensor, sony made it for them? Correct me if I'm wrong

Neil Jacquest said: Comments,Neil Jacquest,This is the galaxy S IV review. What are you talking about! S V is a long way off for now

j_lo said: Comments,j_lo,S4 or Xperia-Z?

siddharth said: Comments,siddharth,samsung s4 is better in many ways.according to the survey taken on smart phones in 2013,samsung phones have long battery life than other smart phones.there r many excellent features in samsung s4

Jack Johnson said: Comments,Jack Johnson,facetime???? Its not a Crapple product. its videochatting :-)

Matt Egan said: Comments,Matt Egan,It is most certainly not biased, but they are closely matched phones. I've used them both and I'd take the Sony. Different strokes.

Tech Geek said: Comments,Tech Geek,Sony Xperia Z is anytime better phone than Galaxy S4, because it does justify its price, undoubtedly S4 loads with features and specifications but when you hold it is a sad response. Darn they (Galaxies) all look same. whether its Grand or S4 they all look same but not same in price category. They all are plastic, i liked Xperia Z design is solid and good and even price is alot less than S4.

Hanif Mansoor said: Comments,Hanif Mansoor,Im vry much confused which one to buy s4 or xperia Z .......... guys help me out plzzzzzzzzz

Leoparkes said: Comments,Leoparkes,Thanks for you comment... and yes I have all other measures you suggested in place as well as hidden SSID

Leoparkes said: Comments,Leoparkes,Thanks for your update - the problem is that when you leave the Wi-Fi bubble the XZ will not reconnect when you return - that's unless you temporarily reset to broadcast SSID - don’t fancy doing that every time. Oh, and by the way it's Sony that says the XZ isn't design to do this.

Alisha Taylor said: Comments,Alisha Taylor,I personally don't mind the design of the S4 unlike many people (although quite frankly I wish it was different too). What is important to me is the battery and the camera. Other features and user interfaces are all appreciated on all of the handsets.

Nabil said: Comments,Nabil,Love how you used the word 'odd'; clearly illustrates your point without being outright rude. touche! Well, I simply do not have access to any sources that would be able to counter your proposition; though might I also point out that you have not published a source that I can access to verify your (what I believe to be) bold statement!
Regardless, the point of my refute was to highlight that humans, by nature, are inherently opinionated and biased. There is nothing wrong with that! Chris even states it in the introduction of the article - "...with our opinions as usual" It would just have been nice to listen to his 'expert' view on which was the all round better phone - something I have now had to go to a 'lesser' technology media publication to ascertain.

Matt Egan said: Comments,Matt Egan,You have some very odd impressions! But you'd have to look at a variety of sources (Experian Hitwise, ComScore, ABC), but chiefly Neilsen Net Ratings. Like the titles you mention we publish in print, digital, online and mobile. Some of those (great) products have larger print or digital circulations than us, but we have 5.2m online readers and that combined with our also healthy numbers in all other areas makes us able to claim to be number one (and independent groups such as Neilsen to sustain that claim on our behalf).

Nabil said: Comments,Nabil," PC Advisor is the UK's best-read technology magazine because we deal with objective testing and hard facts."
Please provide me a source for this 'hard fact' as I was under the impression that Which?, PC PRO and T3 lead the way?

Nitish Puri said: Comments,Nitish Puri,Very impressive phone. I am using this device from last two weeks. Super fast functioning, awesome camera , amazing resolution and best audio- video quality. But one thing disappointed me was its battery backup (around 8 hours), since i am a heavy user. But for others it can work for more than a day.

nikmjtyt said: Comments,nikmjtyt,asssholes with out seeing the model of samsung how you people can say that sony is better

Francis Mulleady said: Comments,Francis Mulleady,The Xperia Z is a stunning phone to hold and use. You can't really have an opinion on it until to you place it in your hands and start using it. It is just as good to watch a film on as an iPad Retina 9.7, notwithstanding it's beautiful construction and toughness.
The S4 is and will be a superb phone too. I've heard a lot of critics say the HTC One is a nicer design and better quality, believe me it isn't. I wasn't a fan of Sony phones since the classic Sony Ericsson

Fahim Hussain said: Comments,Fahim Hussain,The Xperia Z's own S4 is it's biggest downfall - the S4 pro processor just doesn't cut the mustard compared to the s600 in the HTC One and GS4. It's infuriatingly laggy, and on top of that for a premium phone the screen should have been thought about more. Viewing angles are horrible. The phone looks incredible yes, but it's the least ergonomic design Sony could have come up with. I was really hyped up for this phone, really wanted Sony to rise to the top. But the HTC One blows it out of the water, even if it's been there for half an hour!

Matt Egan said: Comments,Matt Egan,That's the thing Nabil: anyone can give an opinion. PC Advisor is the UK's best-read technology magazine because we deal with objective testing and hard facts.

Nabil said: Comments,Nabil,this comparison is painful to read. you highlight at the start that you will share your opinion, but then throughout the review stick entirely to the facts! As an alleged expert, I would recommend you be a bit more opinionated and as a journalist, grow a pair!

Hasnain Maec Abbas said: Comments,Hasnain Maec Abbas,this is by far the best and most unbiased comparison of the 2 phones
btw 5inch amoled is still pentile :S13mp on s4 doesnt shoots hdr videossamy isnt water proof and looks kinda...dated (not a 2013 device) as far as octa cores go...snapdragon s4 pro downclocks itself when the phone doesnt needs the grunt to save power+ battery stamina mode on xperia Z really helps... put ur phone on stamina mode all night and ull see the battery drop by just 1 %so having 4 cores for high loads and 4 for mundane tasks seems like a gimmick to me..also Stock android lovers will feel at home with sony xperia z
for me the better phone is Obviously the xperia Z

Matt Egan said: Comments,Matt Egan,Your application has been rejected on the grounds of your aggressive attitude.

Ziich said: Comments,Ziich,Honestly in most smart phones today you will be hard pressed to see a huge difference in performance BTW these phone esp with jelly bean and fast quad core processors that the operating system cannot fully utilize

Kshitij Dahal said: Comments,Kshitij Dahal,Samsung Galaxy S4 is nothing but a Plastic Crap. Koreans are not innovating but following their own previous versions of Craps. Japanese are those who are giving more than customer demands..So Z is not only better but its the World's Best Best SmartPhone in every aspect...

Khiem Diep said: Comments,Khiem Diep,Fair review? Seems like all the review said was "we have to wait until S IV is released".

Budogav said: Comments,Budogav,Really? A review of manufacturer specs. Did someone pay you for this article? Can I get a job with you surfing the net for vague snippets of information to oh lush as my own IP?

Booboobeaker said: Comments,Booboobeaker,Neither HTC for me cheers

Arapito said: Comments,Arapito,I've got an SGS2 and I'm ready to update. I'd been holding off waiting for the SGS4 announcement but now that we know the details I'm off next week to buy an Xperia Z. I didn't see anything yesterday that would encourage me to wait for, what will realistically be, three months or so. Sure, the processor is probably a bit better and the battery a bit bigger but most of the presentation was software not hardware and software that I'm unlikely to use at that.

Simon Tompkins said: Comments,Simon Tompkins,The build will go to the Xperia Z. It's durable and not made of plastic. The processors on the s4 are more powerful but are limited by the operating system only being optimised for dual-core processors, so you won't see much difference in performance. The screens are quite different. The s4 uses super AMOLED which offers superior viewing angels but has huge problems with colour saturation and screen burn. The Bravia 2 is a very subtle and superior piece of kit which gives you the more realistic experience.The XPERIA Z will win the camera test too. The Samsung has 13 megapixels to deal with but no decent sensor. The Xperia Z not only has HDR technology with it but the new Exmor RS sensor to aid quality and noise. The Xperia comes with the PlayStation store, a Sony remote and a better UI. Samsung have kept their very cheap and childish looking touchwizz UI, which when coupled with the colour saturation of AMOLED makes the phone look like toytown. I'd chose the Xperia z any day. The peace of mind from the water proofing is a real deal breaker for me.

Discusszmr said: Comments,Discusszmr,I have owned a S3 and now bought a Xperia Z. Z wins in all aspect except processor of s4. Thought to buy a S4 by september but cancelled the plan after seeing the design. But the UI of Samsung is very special.

guest said: Comments,guest,I'd go for the Xperia Z. When I picked it up int eh shop it feels a lot lot better than the S3. So if the S4 feels the same then definitely the Z for me. And the waterproof thing is hte decider for me I've got a friend who has an xperia Z and he loves it. I was waiting for the S4 to come out but seeing the comments and everything else it's a Z for me when my contract runs out.

Sumoevo8MR said: Comments,Sumoevo8MR,Xperia Z hands down is the winner IMO. Who wants a plastic smartphone, those days are over and as for the 8 cores, well, 4 cores have proven time n time again that they are quick enough for a smartphone and even tablets. Also the waterproof and dustproof feature is the icing on the cake, after all, 25% of apples iPhone returns are from water damage....

Krazy Bone said: Comments,Krazy Bone,Fair review and fair comments, I have to admit based on the S3 feel compared to the Xperia Z, I agree the Tough Premium Xperia Z wins,
I'd only get the S4 because of the Processor, nothing else, considering that's all I can see really better since most is software. Lets be fair, its packs h3ll of a processor.Bigger Screens and more use = more danger to drops, S3 didn't survive the Drop Test, Where Xperia Z does... without seeing this we wont know if the s4 survives it?

Sam said: Comments,Sam,Totally agree. You do get the premium feel of the Xperia Z design which is what a flagship phone should be like. If you like plastic and believe Samsung's marketing gimmicks then by all means it's SG IV.

Wally said: Comments,Wally,If a key area for decision making is in the design, then it's real easy: Xperia Z wins by a mile..